LaVar & Dukes: Arrington, NFL Stunned By Junior Seau Death

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 15: Junior Seau #55 of the New England Patriots looks on warm ups before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 15, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)credit: Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

WASHINGTON (CBSDC) — The suicide of Junior Seau has shaken the NFL to its core. Anybody who saw Seau’s mother break down outside of his Oceanside, California home on Wednesday knows the longtime linebacker’s death extends far beyond the game.

As circumstances surrounding his death continued to come to light Wednesday afternoon, speculation turned to whether the suicide could have been a result of the lasting effects of a career in a violent sport.

In 2011, former Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson committed suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. He requested researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine examine his brain for chronic traumatic encephalopahty, which can trigger mental illness and lead to depression.

Following the exam, Neurologists confirmed that Duerson did suffer from a neurodegenerative disease linked to concussions.

It is unclear whether Seau’s brain will be examined for similar symptoms.